Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on H&R Sport Springs (28813-1)
We first spotted James B’s Volcanic Orange F56 Mini Cooper S out and about close to the shop – it’s hard to miss that intense Schoolbus-Yellow that grabs your eye and won’t let go. It’s been great watching this car change bit by bit as the months pass and always fun seeing James’ Mini pass us on the street on Lambert. A while back, James saw Sr Mod Expert and Mini Maniac Alan to fit the F56 with a set of H&R Springs for F56 Mini Cooper S and a set of Avant Garde Wheels.
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on H&R Sport Springs (28813-1)
The addition of the Avant Garde M310 Wheels for Mini Cooper gives the car a much sportier character and makes the Mini look especially sharp. The Hyper Silver finish contrasts the dark trim surrounding the fender wells and really brings a great bright accent to the car.
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on H&R Sport Springs (28813-1)
Initially lowered on H&R Sport Springs for Mini Cooper S, the H&Rs proved just a bit too harsh for the oh-so-well-maintained roads here in La Habra, so James opted for a set of coilovers to properly resolve the problem.
Here’s a last look at the H&Rs.
And the rear suspension.
Out with the old…
And in with the new! The KW Suspension coilovers look great and installed in a flash – we were SHOCKED how quickly the F56 suspension can be changed out – Dave, our Master Technician had these done before we’d even finished our morning cup of coffee!!
Unlike the old R56, the F56 uses a separate coil and shock in the rear. Alan recommended James opt for a set of KW Street Comfort coilovers, offering the best ride for a daily driven car out of KW’s lineup.
After installing the coilovers, we just had to take this Volcanic Orange little monster back out into the light to admire the new stance.
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
The drop on the car looks stellar front and rear, leaving just the right amount of wheelgap.
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
There’s only so much we can say about how awesome the combination is, so we’ll let you enjoy the rest of the photos for yourself.
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Avant Garde M310 Hyper Silver 18×8 ET38 Michelin PSS Tires 205/40-18 on KW Coilovers
Though the Mini is bigger than ever, the tuneable N20 engine under the hood makes this generation of Mini more fun than ever to mod! We hope to see James’ Mini back again the future and can look forward to seeing more of our favorite Volcanic Orange flash pass on Lambert.
We hope you enjoyed the photos! Thanks for joining us.
Interested in modifying your F56 Mini like this one?
Talk to the Mod Experts like Alan – call us at 714-582-3330 (x8006 for Alan) to see how we can help enhance your Mini “Motoring” experience. Our Mod Experts like Alan can help you make your Mini faster, handle better, sit lower, sound cooler and look more badass – so talk to us today online or stop by the ModAuto showroom during business hours in La Habra, CA.
Story & Photos Nick Gregson